Today I’m sharing with you a handful of books that I’ve found really inspiring.
Spring has just about sprung and we are all coming out of what feels like a long winter hibernation. I often turn to books to keep myself mentally energised indoors, when its just too cold and damp to be out and about.
These are all non-fiction, some fall into the self help genre, some are autobiographical, some perfect for creatives. All are inspiring.
Lets take a look;
From Left to Right
- Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
- How to Style Your Brand by Fiona Humberstone
- #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
- The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees
- The Million Dollar Blog by Natasha Courtenay-Smith
- Domino- The Book of Decorating by the editors of Domino.com
- Do Improvise: Less Push, More Pause by Robert Poynton
- Nautical Chic by Amber Jane Butchart
- Life’s Too F***ing Short by Janet Street-Porter
- Wisdom & Wonder by Kylie Johnson
Dipping in and out of books is how I consume them at the moment. I tend to have around three on the go at any one time.
Steal Like An Artist
I kept hearing about this book, and the sequel. It is a, “manifesto for creativity in the digital age”. Reading this made me feel like I was back at art school, so many of his words ring true for me. His little mantra’s and lists simplify the creative process, that I often am guilty of overthinking. A great book to restart your creative life.
How to Style Your Brand
Another book I bought on the back of it, and the authors reputation. This really helped with my recent rebrand here on the blog. Fiona’s understanding of colour and what it communicates is really interesting. This book is great if you have your own business and/or blog and need to really create a brand that will speak volume to your clients or readers. (scroll down for the chance to win this book)
#GIRLBOSS
There’s been a lot of discussion about the recent filing for bankruptcy of Nasty Gal- Sophia Amoruso’s company. But that doesn’t take anything away for me, from her inspiring story of how she began. Going through life, and from job to job feeling uninspired, to finding she had a great artistic eye and a flair for vintage. She started her empire on eBay and it snowballed from there. Really worth a read for every woman today I think.
The Curated Closet
I’m working through this book at the moment. Its a guide on developing your own style and capsule wardrobe building. There are lots of exercises in it and it takes you though each one step by step. I don’t wear most of the clothes I own and I feel I need to refocus and buy things with intention rather than on a whim or to make me feel good or reward myself. Being more thoughtful about fast fashion and where I’m buying from is becoming a bigger deal for me than ever before.
The Million Dollar Blog
This book isn’t just for beginners (but it does cover stuff for newbies). I’ve been blogging since 2010 and I’m still learning every single day. I found the interviews in this book especially interesting and inspiring. This book is is really helpful if you (are a blogger obvs) are feeling a little lost or like you need a break from blogging. I read this over Christmas when I took two, much needed, weeks off. I was raring to go after those to weeks partly down to this book.
Domino- The Book of Decorating
An oldie but a goodie. I use this as a reference book mainly, if I’ve seen something online and I’m trying to find similar, this book is great for finding out the proper names of furniture, and the usual dimensions. Great for using as search terms when hunting for bargains on eBay. Did I mention its full of beautiful imagery too? Well despite being first published in 2008, the homes inside haven’t dated- a true testament to timeless style.
Do Improvise
I’m a huge fan of improv comedy and love shows like Whose Line is it Anyway. So when I saw this book it really intrigued me. This book shows you how to apply improvisation to your life, to get better results than perhaps an automated response or a typical response would. Its about dealing with the unplanned and making it work for you.
Nautical Chic
I’m sure I was some kind of seafarer in a past life as I’m just drawn to anything nautical and not just a Breton top. I love a good pirate, fisher(man) and old naval uniforms too. This book covers it all, through history and fashion. Amber is a true expert in her field and her enthusiasm just leaps off the page. A great book for your coffee table as this has loads of beautiful imagery too.
Life’s Too F***ing Short
To be taken with a pinch of salt. You either love or hate JSP, I love her and 90% of this book is great. It funny, inspiring and honest. Some of it is autobiographical, with some ace photos of JSP through the years. Her life experience has obviously formed some of her opinions, not all of which I agree with, but a book to read for keepin’ it real.
Wisdom & Wonder
Whenever I open this book it puts a smile on my face. Filled with meaningful and truthful quotes it is really uplifting. I spotted in on my friend Natasha, aka CandyPop’s, calm and inspiring blog a while ago and I’m so glad I treated myself to it. It’d make a great gift for someone or just for yourself.
As a special treat I’m giving away a copy of How to Style Your Brand over on my Instagram right now- just find the photo below on my feed and follow the instructions.
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Prize Draw T’s & C’s
- Entrants in UK only and must be over 18
- Open until midnight on 25th March 2017
- Instagram accounts must not be set to private
- This prize draw is not associated with Instagram in any way
- Entrants must complete steps in the caption under the photo
- A winner will be drawn at random and contacted by DM on Instagram
susan earlam ~ horror author 
I would love your input